US20050098692A1 - Portable device support structure - Google Patents
Portable device support structure Download PDFInfo
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- US20050098692A1 US20050098692A1 US10/786,666 US78666604A US2005098692A1 US 20050098692 A1 US20050098692 A1 US 20050098692A1 US 78666604 A US78666604 A US 78666604A US 2005098692 A1 US2005098692 A1 US 2005098692A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- section
- support
- support structure
- pivotably mounted
- portable device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 claims description 34
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
- F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
- F16M11/10—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/16—Details concerning attachment of head-supporting legs, with or without actuation of locking members thereof
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
- F16M11/2007—Undercarriages with or without wheels comprising means allowing pivoting adjustment
- F16M11/2035—Undercarriages with or without wheels comprising means allowing pivoting adjustment in more than one direction
- F16M11/2071—Undercarriages with or without wheels comprising means allowing pivoting adjustment in more than one direction for panning and rolling
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
- F16M11/24—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other
- F16M11/26—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other by telescoping, with or without folding
- F16M11/32—Undercarriages for supports with three or more telescoping legs
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/04—Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to structures used to support portable consumer devices, and more particularly to support structures used for camera cellular phones.
- Portable cellular phones have in the recent years become more compact in size, while adding functionality. For instance, it is now typical that portable cellular phones will include the functionality of a web browser, game console, and/or the functionality of an email sending and receiving device. Recently, cellular phone manufacturers have begun to incorporate digital cameras in their phones, which are sometimes called “picture phones”. These digital cameras allow a user to take pictures and send them to other users of camera phones as well as to email recipients as attachments. Most of the time, the camera function within the cellular phone will include a self timer for shutter release, so that the camera user can attempt to include himself or herself in a picture.
- One embodiment of the invention comprises a portable device support structure having a support section including a plurality of support legs, a clamping section connected to the support section, the clamping section having a first section and a second section, wherein at least the first section is movable.
- the portable device support structure also includes an adjusting member which adjusts the position of the first section with respect to the second section. The clamping section clamps the portable device when the portable device is placed between the first section and the second section and when the adjusting member is actuated to apply force on the portable device between the first section and the second section.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an assembly view of a connecting member of one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a support leg of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a front view of the support leg shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a right side view of the support leg shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6 is a rear view of a support section of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a left side view of the support section of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the support section of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 9 is an assembly view of a clamping section of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9A is an assembly view of a clamping section of one embodiment of the present invention with a gripping insert thereon removed;
- FIG. 10 is front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention with a pivotably mounted extension piece in a folded position
- FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention with two pivotably mounted extension pieces in a folded position;
- FIG. 12 shows a method of using one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 13 shows a method of using one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 14 shows a method of using one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 15 shows a method of using one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 16 shows a method of using one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 shows a method of using one embodiment of the present invention.
- the portable device support structure comprises two main sections.
- the first is a support section 11 and the second is a clamping section 12 .
- the support section 11 comprises three support legs 14 , 16 and 18 , forming a tripod support configuration. It will be appreciated, however, that more or less support legs can be used in the practice of the present invention and that the present invention is not limited to a support system using three support legs.
- the support legs 14 , 16 and 18 include telescoping members 19 ( FIG. 15 ), which add height to the portable device support structure and also add stability when extended.
- Support leg 16 is preferably fixedly attached to connecting member 20 , which is formed of two halves, 21 A and 21 B ( FIG. 2 ) and it is preferred that support legs 14 and 18 are pivotably connected to both connecting member 20 and to shaft 22 so that support legs 14 and 18 can pivot along two axes, which in the preferred embodiment are the X and Z axes.
- support legs 14 and 18 are connected via shaft 22 , which passes through aperture 24 (formed by halves 21 A and 21 B of connecting member 20 ), so that they will pivot along the X axis in unison.
- aperture 24 is sized slightly larger than the diameter of shaft 22 so that shaft 22 can rotate within aperture 24 . The fit between shaft 22 and aperture 24 , however, maintains a tight fit between aperture 24 and shaft 22 , thereby preventing the shaft 22 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 22 .
- Top section 30 preferably comprises an inverted T-shaped projection 32 , when viewed from the side, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 5 , and an inverted U-shaped projection 32 when viewed from the front, as seen in FIG. 4 .
- a portion of the projections 32 fit within grooves 34 in connecting member 20 .
- projections 32 When viewed from the front, projections 32 have keyed sections 36 , which act as rotational stops to prevent the legs 14 and 18 from swinging too far away from the center support leg 16 .
- Keyed section are preferably at an approximately 45 degree angle from vertical.
- connecting member 20 is connected to split keepers 40 via screw 42 .
- Split keepers act as a ball socket for ball 44 , which is attached to a threaded portion 45 .
- Split keepers can be brought closer together by adjusting screw 48 , thus locking ball 44 in a particular orientation.
- Platform 50 is attached to threaded portion 45 , and allows a user to turn the threaded portion 45 (and the connected ball 44 ) to thread the threaded portion into clamping section 12 and also provides a surface upon which the clamping section 12 can rest.
- the ball and socket configuration formed by split keepers 40 and ball 44 allows the threaded portion 45 to be pivotably mounted to connecting member 20 thereby providing a multitude of orientations in which the clamping section 12 can be placed.
- clamping section 12 comprises three main components: a static section 52 , a movable section 54 and a screw 56 .
- Static section 52 contains a horizontal portion 58 and a vertical portion 60 .
- Vertical portion 60 contains projections 62 at the end thereof, which are designed to mesh with projections 64 of a pivotably mounted extension piece 66 .
- the projections 62 When viewed from the front, contain rounded portions 68 on the right side thereof and squared off portions 70 on the left side thereof.
- squared off portions 70 prevent the pivotably mounted extension piece from rotating past the 90 degree point from horizontal portion 58 , while the rounded portions allow the pivotably mounted extension piece 66 to fold and rotate towards the horizontal portion 58 .
- Shaft 71 acts to join the pivotably mounted extension piece 66 with the vertical portion 60 and to provide a pivot point between the pivotably mounted extension piece 66 and vertical portion 60 .
- the horizontal section 58 and the pivotably mounted extension piece 66 preferably contain gripping inserts 59 and 67 , respectively, that act to protect a device, such as a camera cellular phone, from scratches, while having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction to reduce the chance of slippage when the clamping section is clamping a portable device, such as a camera cellular phone.
- the gripping inserts 59 and 67 are made out of rubber.
- the static section also contains threaded insert 61 on the bottom side of the horizontal portion 58 (see FIG.
- the horizontal portion 58 also includes a bowl section 72 and a recess 74 underneath the gripping insert 59 , as shown in FIG. 9A .
- Recess 74 is designed to accommodate and hold a nut 76 , which mates with screw 56 .
- Bowl section 72 allows the screw 56 to move in and out of the static section 52 without interference from any structural members of the static section 52 .
- the horizontal section also contains guide bores 78 , which are used to help guide and maintain the orientation of movable section 54 .
- movable section 54 comprises a horizontal portion 80 and a vertical portion 82 .
- Vertical portion 82 contains projections 84 at the end thereof, which are designed to mesh with projections 86 of a pivotably mounted extension piece 88 .
- pivotably mounted extension piece 88 includes a gripping insert 89 .
- the projections 86 contain rounded portions 90 on the left side thereof and squared off portions 91 on the right side thereof.
- squared off portions 91 prevent the pivotably mounted extension piece from rotating past the 90 degree point from horizontal portion 80 , while the rounded portions 90 allow the pivotably mounted extension piece to fold and rotate towards the horizontal portion 80 .
- Shaft 92 acts to join the pivotably mounted extension piece 88 with the vertical portion 82 and to provide a pivot point between the pivotably mounted extension piece 88 and vertical portion 82 .
- Horizontal portion 80 has projecting therefrom two rods 94 (see FIG. 1 ) which fit within guide bores 78 of static section 52 to maintain the orientation of movable section 54 . Also, horizontal portion 80 contains a countersunk bore 96 which accepts screw 56 . As can be seen by reference to FIGS. 1 and 9 - 11 , the vertical portion 60 of the static section 52 is lower in height than the vertical portion 82 of the movable section 54 . This allows pivotably mounted extension piece 66 to fold below the height of vertical portion 82 and allows pivotably mounted extension piece 88 to fold onto the top of pivotably mounted extension piece 66 , thereby allowing a user to make more compact the portable device support structure of one embodiment of the present invention for easier transport in a pocket, purse, etc. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention need not contain pivotably mounted extension pieces, and instead can contain vertical portions without any pivoting members whatsoever.
- screw 56 preferably contains three sections.
- a threaded section 98 a non-threaded section 100 which is larger in diameter than the threaded section, and a user adjusting portion 102 that facilitates a user rotating the screw 56 , when desired.
- the user adjusting portion 102 comprises a knurled surface at one end of the screw 56 .
- user adjusting portion 102 can comprise any structure used for turning a threaded device, such as flat head, phillip head, allen key, and torx structures, etc.
- the vertical edge 106 between the threaded section 98 and non-threaded section 100 acts to push the movable portion 54 when the screw 56 is turned in a clockwise position.
- the support members 14 , 16 and 18 When the portable device support structure is not in use, and in order for a user to have the portable device support structure in a compacted state, the support members 14 , 16 and 18 will be positioned so that they all lie within a single plane and the pivotably mounted extension pieces will be folded down. Also, the clamping section 12 may be detached from support section 11 . When a user desires to use the portable device support structure he or she will, accordingly, screw the clamping section 12 into the support section 11 and then rotate support members 14 and 18 forward and then outward to form a tripod base ( FIG. 12 ).
- the user will unfold the pivotably mounted extension pieces to a vertical position and will place the camera cellular phone, or other portable device in the clamping section so that the camera lens will be pointing in an outward direction and not be blocked by any structure of the portable device support structure assembly ( FIGS. 13 & 14 ).
- screw 56 is rotated clockwise until movable section 54 applies sufficient force on the camera cellular phone, between the movable section 54 and the static section 52 , to prevent the camera cellular phone from becoming separated from clamping section 12 ( FIG. 14 ).
- telescoping members 19 can be extended to provide additional height and stability of the tripod ( FIG. 15 ).
- the clamping section can be pivoted using the ball 44 and the ball socket formed by split keepers 40 to achieve a desired orientation. Once a desired orientation is attained, this orientation can be locked in place using locking screw 58 ( FIG. 16 ).
- the pivotably mounted extension piece 88 of movable section 54 can be left folded when the camera cellular phone is placed in clamping section 12 . In this method of use the top of pivotably mounted extension piece 88 is responsible for transmitting the force of the movable portion 54 to the camera cellular phone.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
- Studio Devices (AREA)
Abstract
One embodiment of the invention comprises a portable device support structure having a support section including a plurality of support legs, a clamping section connected to the support section, the clamping section having a first section and a second section, wherein at least the first section is movable. The portable device support structure also includes an adjusting member which adjusts the position of the first section with respect to the second section. The clamping section clamps the portable device when the portable device is placed between the first section and the second section and when the adjusting member is actuated to apply force on the portable device between the first section and the second section.
Description
- This invention relates generally to structures used to support portable consumer devices, and more particularly to support structures used for camera cellular phones.
- Portable cellular phones have in the recent years become more compact in size, while adding functionality. For instance, it is now typical that portable cellular phones will include the functionality of a web browser, game console, and/or the functionality of an email sending and receiving device. Recently, cellular phone manufacturers have begun to incorporate digital cameras in their phones, which are sometimes called “picture phones”. These digital cameras allow a user to take pictures and send them to other users of camera phones as well as to email recipients as attachments. Most of the time, the camera function within the cellular phone will include a self timer for shutter release, so that the camera user can attempt to include himself or herself in a picture. The problems encountered with camera cellular phones and their self-timers, however, is that it is difficult to place the cellular phone in a desired orientation so that the lens will be pointing to the desired picture area without a person holding the camera cellular phone. This is because camera cellular phones, due to their compact size, do not include a standard threaded insert for connecting to a tripod (as do most other types of cameras), and do not come with any means of mounting and steadying the camera cellular phone for a self timing function. As a result, the self timing function on camera cellular phones is seldomly used by camera cellular phone users. Moreover, the lack of a tripod mount or means of steadying a camera cellular phone can lead to blurry photos, even when the self-timing function is not desired. Accordingly, there is a need for a device that can hold and steady a camera cellular phone for purposes of, for example, a self-timed shutter release. These and other needs will become more apparent upon a review of the specification, drawings and claims, set forth below.
- One embodiment of the invention comprises a portable device support structure having a support section including a plurality of support legs, a clamping section connected to the support section, the clamping section having a first section and a second section, wherein at least the first section is movable. The portable device support structure also includes an adjusting member which adjusts the position of the first section with respect to the second section. The clamping section clamps the portable device when the portable device is placed between the first section and the second section and when the adjusting member is actuated to apply force on the portable device between the first section and the second section.
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FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an assembly view of a connecting member of one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a support leg of one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a front view of the support leg shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a right side view of the support leg shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is a rear view of a support section of one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a left side view of the support section ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the support section ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 9 is an assembly view of a clamping section of one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9A is an assembly view of a clamping section of one embodiment of the present invention with a gripping insert thereon removed; -
FIG. 10 is front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention with a pivotably mounted extension piece in a folded position; -
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention with two pivotably mounted extension pieces in a folded position; -
FIG. 12 shows a method of using one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 13 shows a method of using one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 14 shows a method of using one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 15 shows a method of using one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 16 shows a method of using one embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 17 shows a method of using one embodiment of the present invention. - While the present invention is capable of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be hereinafter described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 , there is shown a portable device support structure 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The portable device support structure comprises two main sections. The first is asupport section 11 and the second is aclamping section 12. Thesupport section 11 comprises threesupport legs support legs FIG. 15 ), which add height to the portable device support structure and also add stability when extended. -
Support leg 16 is preferably fixedly attached to connectingmember 20, which is formed of two halves, 21A and 21B (FIG. 2 ) and it is preferred thatsupport legs member 20 and toshaft 22 so thatsupport legs legs shaft 22, which passes through aperture 24 (formed byhalves 21A and 21B of connecting member 20), so that they will pivot along the X axis in unison. However, it will be appreciated thatsupport legs aperture 24 is sized slightly larger than the diameter ofshaft 22 so thatshaft 22 can rotate withinaperture 24. The fit betweenshaft 22 andaperture 24, however, maintains a tight fit betweenaperture 24 andshaft 22, thereby preventing theshaft 22 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of theshaft 22. - In order to allow
support legs legs screws 26, which pass throughapertures 28 at the top section 30 oflegs shaped projection 32, when viewed from the side, as seen inFIGS. 3 and 5 , and an invertedU-shaped projection 32 when viewed from the front, as seen inFIG. 4 . A portion of theprojections 32 fit withingrooves 34 in connectingmember 20. When viewed from the front,projections 32 have keyedsections 36, which act as rotational stops to prevent thelegs center support leg 16. Keyed section are preferably at an approximately 45 degree angle from vertical. As can be appreciated, as thelegs center support leg 16, keyedsections 36 will contact vertical walls 38 ofgrooves 34 to prevent further rotational movement. Also, it is preferred that whenlegs legs leg 16, as shown inFIG. 6 . Also, it is preferred that when thelegs shaft 22 along the X axis, an approximately 90 degree angle is formed between each of thelegs leg 16, as shown inFIG. 7 . As those with skill in the art will appreciate, however, other angles can be used with the present invention. - As best seen in
FIG. 6 , connectingmember 20 is connected to splitkeepers 40 viascrew 42. Split keepers act as a ball socket forball 44, which is attached to a threadedportion 45. Split keepers can be brought closer together by adjusting screw 48, thus lockingball 44 in a particular orientation.Platform 50 is attached to threadedportion 45, and allows a user to turn the threaded portion 45 (and the connected ball 44) to thread the threaded portion intoclamping section 12 and also provides a surface upon which theclamping section 12 can rest. As those with skill in the art will appreciate, the ball and socket configuration formed bysplit keepers 40 andball 44 allows the threadedportion 45 to be pivotably mounted to connectingmember 20 thereby providing a multitude of orientations in which theclamping section 12 can be placed. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , clampingsection 12 comprises three main components: astatic section 52, amovable section 54 and ascrew 56.Static section 52 contains ahorizontal portion 58 and avertical portion 60.Vertical portion 60 containsprojections 62 at the end thereof, which are designed to mesh withprojections 64 of a pivotably mounted extension piece 66. When viewed from the front, theprojections 62 contain roundedportions 68 on the right side thereof and squared offportions 70 on the left side thereof. As will be appreciated, squared offportions 70 prevent the pivotably mounted extension piece from rotating past the 90 degree point fromhorizontal portion 58, while the rounded portions allow the pivotably mounted extension piece 66 to fold and rotate towards thehorizontal portion 58. Shaft 71 acts to join the pivotably mounted extension piece 66 with thevertical portion 60 and to provide a pivot point between the pivotably mounted extension piece 66 andvertical portion 60. Thehorizontal section 58 and the pivotably mounted extension piece 66 preferably contain grippinginserts 59 and 67, respectively, that act to protect a device, such as a camera cellular phone, from scratches, while having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction to reduce the chance of slippage when the clamping section is clamping a portable device, such as a camera cellular phone. In a preferred embodiment the grippinginserts 59 and 67 are made out of rubber. The static section also contains threadedinsert 61 on the bottom side of the horizontal portion 58 (seeFIG. 12 ), which is designed to mate with threadedportion 45. Thehorizontal portion 58 also includes abowl section 72 and a recess 74 underneath the gripping insert 59, as shown inFIG. 9A . Recess 74 is designed to accommodate and hold a nut 76, which mates withscrew 56.Bowl section 72 allows thescrew 56 to move in and out of thestatic section 52 without interference from any structural members of thestatic section 52. The horizontal section also contains guide bores 78, which are used to help guide and maintain the orientation ofmovable section 54. - As shown in
FIG. 9 ,movable section 54 comprises ahorizontal portion 80 and avertical portion 82.Vertical portion 82 containsprojections 84 at the end thereof, which are designed to mesh withprojections 86 of a pivotably mountedextension piece 88. As with pivotably mounted extension piece 66 andhorizontal portion 58, pivotably mountedextension piece 88 includes agripping insert 89. When viewed from the front, theprojections 86 contain roundedportions 90 on the left side thereof and squared offportions 91 on the right side thereof. As will be appreciated, squared offportions 91 prevent the pivotably mounted extension piece from rotating past the 90 degree point fromhorizontal portion 80, while therounded portions 90 allow the pivotably mounted extension piece to fold and rotate towards thehorizontal portion 80.Shaft 92 acts to join the pivotably mountedextension piece 88 with thevertical portion 82 and to provide a pivot point between the pivotably mountedextension piece 88 andvertical portion 82. -
Horizontal portion 80 has projecting therefrom two rods 94 (seeFIG. 1 ) which fit within guide bores 78 ofstatic section 52 to maintain the orientation ofmovable section 54. Also,horizontal portion 80 contains a countersunkbore 96 which acceptsscrew 56. As can be seen by reference toFIGS. 1 and 9 -11, thevertical portion 60 of thestatic section 52 is lower in height than thevertical portion 82 of themovable section 54. This allows pivotably mounted extension piece 66 to fold below the height ofvertical portion 82 and allows pivotably mountedextension piece 88 to fold onto the top of pivotably mounted extension piece 66, thereby allowing a user to make more compact the portable device support structure of one embodiment of the present invention for easier transport in a pocket, purse, etc. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention need not contain pivotably mounted extension pieces, and instead can contain vertical portions without any pivoting members whatsoever. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , screw 56 preferably contains three sections. A threadedsection 98, anon-threaded section 100 which is larger in diameter than the threaded section, and auser adjusting portion 102 that facilitates a user rotating thescrew 56, when desired. In the preferred embodiment, theuser adjusting portion 102 comprises a knurled surface at one end of thescrew 56. However, it will be appreciated thatuser adjusting portion 102 can comprise any structure used for turning a threaded device, such as flat head, phillip head, allen key, and torx structures, etc. Thevertical edge 106 between the threadedsection 98 andnon-threaded section 100 acts to push themovable portion 54 when thescrew 56 is turned in a clockwise position. - The operation of one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to
FIGS. 12-17 . When the portable device support structure is not in use, and in order for a user to have the portable device support structure in a compacted state, thesupport members clamping section 12 may be detached fromsupport section 11. When a user desires to use the portable device support structure he or she will, accordingly, screw theclamping section 12 into thesupport section 11 and then rotatesupport members FIG. 12 ). Next, the user will unfold the pivotably mounted extension pieces to a vertical position and will place the camera cellular phone, or other portable device in the clamping section so that the camera lens will be pointing in an outward direction and not be blocked by any structure of the portable device support structure assembly (FIGS. 13 & 14 ). In order to secure the camera cellular phone, screw 56 is rotated clockwise untilmovable section 54 applies sufficient force on the camera cellular phone, between themovable section 54 and thestatic section 52, to prevent the camera cellular phone from becoming separated from clamping section 12 (FIG. 14 ). If desired,telescoping members 19 can be extended to provide additional height and stability of the tripod (FIG. 15 ). Once the camera cellular phone is secured to theclamping section 12, the clamping section can be pivoted using theball 44 and the ball socket formed bysplit keepers 40 to achieve a desired orientation. Once a desired orientation is attained, this orientation can be locked in place using locking screw 58 (FIG. 16 ). In an alternate method of use, the pivotably mountedextension piece 88 ofmovable section 54 can be left folded when the camera cellular phone is placed in clampingsection 12. In this method of use the top of pivotably mountedextension piece 88 is responsible for transmitting the force of themovable portion 54 to the camera cellular phone. - The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. For example, although one embodiment of the present invention is preferably used in conjunction with a camera cellular phone, the invention is not limited to use with camera cellular phones and can be used with any other portable device. The description was selected to best explain the principles of the invention and their practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by the specification, but be defined by the claims set forth below.
Claims (18)
1. A portable device support structure comprising:
a support section comprising a plurality of support legs;
a clamping section connected to said support section, said clamping section comprising a first section and a second section, wherein at least said first section is movable;
an adjusting member which adjusts the position of the first section with respect to the second section;
wherein said clamping section clamps said portable device when the portable device is placed between said first section and said second section and when said adjusting member is actuated to apply force on said portable device between said first section and said second section.
2. The support structure of claim 1 , wherein said support section comprises three support legs.
3. The support structure of claim 1 , wherein said portable device is a camera cellular phone.
4. The support structure of claim 1 , wherein said adjusting member is a screw that runs through said first section and is connected to a threaded member in said second section.
5. The support structure of claim 1 , wherein said first section includes a pivotably mounted extension piece.
6. The support structure of claim 1 , wherein said second section includes a pivotably mounted extension piece.
7. The support structure of claim 1 , wherein said first section and said second section include a pivotably mounted extension piece.
8. The support structure of claim 7 , wherein the lengths of said pivotably mounted extension pieces on said first section and said second section are different.
9. The support structure of 1, wherein said support legs include telescoping members.
10. The support structure of claim 1 , wherein said clamping section is pivotably mounted to said support section.
11. A camera cellular phone tripod comprising:
a support section comprising three support legs;
a clamping section connected to said support section, said clamping section comprising a first section and a second section, wherein at least said first section is movable;
an adjusting member which adjusts the position of the first section with respect to the second section;
wherein said clamping section clamps said camera cellular phone when the camera cellular phone is placed between said first section and said second section and when said adjusting member is actuated to apply force on said camera cellular phone between said first section and said second section.
12. The support structure of claim 11 , wherein said adjusting member is a screw that runs through said first section and is connected to a threaded member in said second section.
13. The support structure of claim 11 , wherein said first section includes a pivotably mounted extension piece.
14. The support structure of claim 11 , wherein said first section and said second section include a pivotably mounted extension piece.
15. The support structure of claim 14 , wherein the lengths of said pivotably mounted extension pieces on said first section and said second section are different.
16. The support structure of 11, wherein said support legs include telescoping members.
17. The support structure of claim 11 , wherein said clamping section is pivotably mounted to said support section.
18. A camera cellular phone tripod comprising:
a support section comprising three telescoping support legs;
a clamping section connected to said support section, said clamping section comprising a first section and a second section, wherein at least said first section is movable;
a first pivotably mounted extension piece connected to said first section;
a second pivotably mounted extension piece connected to said second section;
an adjusting member which adjusts the position of the first section with respect to the second section;
wherein said clamping section clamps said camera cellular phone when the camera cellular phone is placed between said first section and said second section and when said adjusting member is actuated to apply force on said camera cellular phone between said first section and said second section.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CNU032251319U CN2612867Y (en) | 2003-04-12 | 2003-04-12 | Tripod capable for storing cell phone with camera function |
CN03225131.9 | 2003-04-15 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050098692A1 true US20050098692A1 (en) | 2005-05-12 |
Family
ID=34163614
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/786,666 Abandoned US20050098692A1 (en) | 2003-04-12 | 2004-02-25 | Portable device support structure |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050098692A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN2612867Y (en) |
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US20050242250A1 (en) * | 2004-02-12 | 2005-11-03 | Da Keng | Quick disconnect bipod mount assembly with adjustable and lockable tilt, pan and cant controls |
US20100158499A1 (en) * | 2008-12-22 | 2010-06-24 | Kendall Charles S | Camera adapter support |
US20100314508A1 (en) * | 2006-01-03 | 2010-12-16 | Bevirt Joeben | Apparatus with flexible tripod and electronic device |
US20110019992A1 (en) * | 2009-07-24 | 2011-01-27 | The Tiffen Company Llc | Stabilized mount for, and method of, steadily supporting a motion-sensitive, image capture device |
US20110164173A1 (en) * | 2010-01-04 | 2011-07-07 | The Tiffen Company Llc | Balanced mounting arrangement for, and method of, steadily supporting a motion-sensitive, image capture device |
US20110192269A1 (en) * | 2009-08-13 | 2011-08-11 | Jeffry Voorhees | Portable Stand and Mount for Securing a Portable Media or Audio Player to a Support |
US20120169888A1 (en) * | 2010-07-08 | 2012-07-05 | Shannon Elizabeth Clark | Portable document camera and assembly for enabling same |
US8393584B2 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2013-03-12 | Salih Maurice Burns | Apparatus for holding a portable electronic device |
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US8858097B2 (en) * | 2011-04-08 | 2014-10-14 | Daymen Us, Inc. | Miniature ball tripod |
US20160352385A1 (en) * | 2013-02-14 | 2016-12-01 | Olloclip, Llc | Accessories for communication devices |
CN106375516A (en) * | 2016-09-28 | 2017-02-01 | 钦州学院 | Multifunctional mobile phone holder |
US20170059088A1 (en) * | 2015-09-01 | 2017-03-02 | Marlon Galvez | Personal viewing of a mobile device system and method |
US9851625B1 (en) * | 2016-04-26 | 2017-12-26 | Raymond Ballesteros Fernandez | Multi-functional accessory for portable electronic device and associated use thereof |
CN107631135A (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2018-01-26 | 珠海市建樾科技有限公司 | A kind of adjustable mobile-phone and tablet personal computer clamping device |
US20180274715A1 (en) * | 2015-10-29 | 2018-09-27 | Alberto Rene Somoano | Adjustable Portable Electronic Device Holder |
US10139039B1 (en) | 2016-09-13 | 2018-11-27 | Territha Reed | Camera tripod for a smart phone |
US20190003638A1 (en) * | 2015-12-29 | 2019-01-03 | Vitec Imaging Solutions S.P.A. | Support for portable electronic apparatuses |
CN112361144A (en) * | 2020-11-04 | 2021-02-12 | 龚旭敏 | Portable monitoring equipment with dismantle structure |
US11050909B1 (en) * | 2019-12-19 | 2021-06-29 | Guangdong Benro Image Technology Industrial Co., Ltd. | Quick installation plate with mobile phone clipping function |
US20220205584A1 (en) * | 2020-12-28 | 2022-06-30 | Savage Universal Inc. | Travel tripod |
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US7631455B2 (en) * | 2004-02-12 | 2009-12-15 | Da Keng | Quick disconnect bipod mount assembly with adjustable and lockable tilt, pan and cant controls |
US20050242250A1 (en) * | 2004-02-12 | 2005-11-03 | Da Keng | Quick disconnect bipod mount assembly with adjustable and lockable tilt, pan and cant controls |
US20100314508A1 (en) * | 2006-01-03 | 2010-12-16 | Bevirt Joeben | Apparatus with flexible tripod and electronic device |
US20100158499A1 (en) * | 2008-12-22 | 2010-06-24 | Kendall Charles S | Camera adapter support |
US7883279B2 (en) * | 2008-12-22 | 2011-02-08 | Kendall Charles S | Camera adapter support |
US20110019992A1 (en) * | 2009-07-24 | 2011-01-27 | The Tiffen Company Llc | Stabilized mount for, and method of, steadily supporting a motion-sensitive, image capture device |
US8007188B2 (en) * | 2009-07-24 | 2011-08-30 | The Tiffen Company Llc | Stabilized mount for, and method of, steadily supporting a motion-sensitive, image capture device |
US8294014B2 (en) * | 2009-08-13 | 2012-10-23 | Jeffry Voorhees | Portable stand and mount for securing a portable media or audio player to a support |
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US9323134B2 (en) * | 2010-07-08 | 2016-04-26 | Shannon Elizabeth Clark | Portable document camera and assembly for enabling same |
US8858097B2 (en) * | 2011-04-08 | 2014-10-14 | Daymen Us, Inc. | Miniature ball tripod |
US8393584B2 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2013-03-12 | Salih Maurice Burns | Apparatus for holding a portable electronic device |
US20160352385A1 (en) * | 2013-02-14 | 2016-12-01 | Olloclip, Llc | Accessories for communication devices |
CN103162069A (en) * | 2013-03-25 | 2013-06-19 | 成都西可科技有限公司 | Movable terminal clamping device capable of being connected with tripod |
US20170059088A1 (en) * | 2015-09-01 | 2017-03-02 | Marlon Galvez | Personal viewing of a mobile device system and method |
US10774978B2 (en) * | 2015-10-29 | 2020-09-15 | Alberto Rene Somoano | Adjustable portable electronic device holder |
US20180274715A1 (en) * | 2015-10-29 | 2018-09-27 | Alberto Rene Somoano | Adjustable Portable Electronic Device Holder |
US20190003638A1 (en) * | 2015-12-29 | 2019-01-03 | Vitec Imaging Solutions S.P.A. | Support for portable electronic apparatuses |
US9851625B1 (en) * | 2016-04-26 | 2017-12-26 | Raymond Ballesteros Fernandez | Multi-functional accessory for portable electronic device and associated use thereof |
US10139039B1 (en) | 2016-09-13 | 2018-11-27 | Territha Reed | Camera tripod for a smart phone |
CN106375516A (en) * | 2016-09-28 | 2017-02-01 | 钦州学院 | Multifunctional mobile phone holder |
CN107631135A (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2018-01-26 | 珠海市建樾科技有限公司 | A kind of adjustable mobile-phone and tablet personal computer clamping device |
US11050909B1 (en) * | 2019-12-19 | 2021-06-29 | Guangdong Benro Image Technology Industrial Co., Ltd. | Quick installation plate with mobile phone clipping function |
CN112361144A (en) * | 2020-11-04 | 2021-02-12 | 龚旭敏 | Portable monitoring equipment with dismantle structure |
US20220205584A1 (en) * | 2020-12-28 | 2022-06-30 | Savage Universal Inc. | Travel tripod |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |